Al Gore's Rep Says Sexual Contact Claim Is 'Defamatory'

July 1, 2010 (9:24 am) GMT

Gore's spokesperson said further police investigation whether the politician groped a masseuse or not will only benefit her client.

A representative for former U.S. vice president Al Gore has issued a statement to "unequivocally and emphatically" deny allegations the politician groped a masseuse in 2006 after police reopened their investigation into the matter.

Last week, U.S. tabloid the National Enquirer revealed masseuse Molly Hagerty gave a statement to police last year accusing Gore of "unwanted sexual contact" during a massage session at a hotel in October 2006.

Cops didn't investigate the matter further at the time due to "insufficient evidence to support the allegations" as the accuser refused to be interviewed by police.

Officers in Portland, Oregon announced on Wednesday, June 30 they are reopening the investigation.

The politician-turned-activist's spokesperson, Kalee Kreider, is strongly denying the accusations, saying in a statement, "Further investigation into this matter will only benefit Mr. Gore. The Gores cannot comment on every defamatory, misleading and inaccurate story generated by tabloids. Mr. Gore unequivocally and emphatically denied this accusation when he first learned of its existence three years ago. He stands by that denial."

The reopening of the case comes just weeks after Gore announced he had split from his wife Mary 'Tipper' Gore after 40 years of marriage.